World-famous cuisine, beautiful weather and bright sapphire seas; just some of the reasons why Croatia has long been considered an ideal spot for a summer holiday.
But this enigmatic destination offers so much more than just a beach break.
Into autumn and winter, Croatias natural beauty really comes alive. Its the ideal time to discover where the mountains meet the sea in the hidden realms of this traditional holiday hot spot.
Then theres the pleasant year-round climate and a calmer, more authentic Mediterranean vibe during the off peak shoulder season which make for the perfect conditions to explore on foot or by bike, along one of the 400 mountain trails or 400km of marked cycle routes.
Its this little-known side of Croatia thats attracting active holidaymakers to the country as soon as the beachgoers head home.
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Hundreds of exhilarating hiking trails
Think of Croatia and you no doubt think of its much-celebrated Adriatic coastline, but you might be surprised to learn that over 60 per cent of the country is mainland, punctuated by some very impressive mountain ranges.
Here youll find over 400 organised mountain trails that range from comfortable beginners routes to some of the most demanding in Europe, better suited to experienced mountaineers who fancy a challenge.
One of Croatias best-kept secrets is a mountainous region called Gorski Kotar. Ideal for an isolated week in the wilderness, this peaceful central-continental retreat boasts forests, caves and leafy landscapes just crying out to be explored.
Find areas of natural beauty on foot
Exploring Croatia on foot is a delight when you discover that there are 19 national and natural parks, including protected areas of incredible natural beauty, spread across the landscape.
The largest of these is Plitvice Lakes National Park, which was not only Croatias first national park in 1949 but one of the first in the world to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List 30 years later.
Nestled between the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješevica, this awe-inspiring park is made up of 16 interconnected lakes, as well as one of the most jaw-dropping sights in all of Croatia, the Plitvice Waterfalls.
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Connect with Europe by bike
Thanks to quick and easy direct flights from the UK and many other European countries – like Italy, Germany and France – Croatia has always been a popular destination for short breaks.
But these days, its so easy to get to Croatia you can now connect by bicycle.
Among Croatias incredible 400km of marked cycling routes, there are four international EuroVelo routes directly connecting Croatia with the whole of the European continent.
These include the Danube Route (EuroVelo 6), The Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13), The Mediterranean Route (EuroVelo 8) and The Baltic to Adriatic Sea Route (EuroVelo 9).
Take a historical tour on two wheels
For more cultural trails through the heart of Croatia, tours of this unique destination are some of the best ways to discover the rich history of the country.
Many cyclists flock to Croatia to follow the old Roman roads that are lined with ancient landmarks, like Split Archaeological Museum dating back to 1820, the medieval town of Vrana near the port of Drage and the archaeological site of Bribirska Glavica, near Skradin.
One of the oldest cycle routes in Croatia takes you along a 24-centuries-old path through Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar, where vineyards and olive groves meet sumptuous smelling lavender fields. Its a feast for the senses, a work out and a wonderful way to see all that this beautiful island has to offer.
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Fish for your supper
